In December of 2011, American Airlines won FAA approval to use the Apple iPad to replace paper manuals pilots carry onboard aircraft. American Airlines today announced that it has become the first carrier to get FAA approval to use the iPad in the cockpit during all phases of flight.

Pilots for the airline will use the iPad to replace the paper-based reference manuals typically carried in flight bags that weigh 35 pounds. American Airlines figures that it will save $1.2 million on fuel across all of its planes each year based on current fuel prices by shaving that weight.

“This is a very exciting and important milestone for all of us at American Airlines as we work to modernize our processes and best meet the needs of our people,” said Captain John Hale, American’s Vice President of Flight.

[Image Soure: The AirplaneNut]

“With this approval from the FAA, we will be able to use iPad to fully realize the benefits of our Electronic Flight Bag program, including improving the work environment for our pilots, reducing our dependency on paper products and increasing fuel efficiency on our planes. We are equipping our people with the best resources and this will allow our pilots to fly more efficiently.”

American Airlines also notes that it's working on a program that will allow it to provide flight attendants with tablets to allow them to retrieve more information about passengers.

They iPads will roll out across American’s fleet of 777 aircraft beginning this month. The commercial carrier expects to get approval for all aircraft in its fleet by the end of 2012.